The myBackPain assessment identifies your specific diagnosis — ensuring you and your physiotherapist start from a clear clinical picture rather than a generic back pain diagnosis.
regulated — all physiotherapists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council
Self
-referral available in many areas — you do not always need a GP referral to see a physiotherapist
Exercise
prescription is the core of physiotherapy — active rehabilitation, not just passive treatment
What physiotherapists do
Physiotherapy is one of the most evidence-based treatments for back pain. Physiotherapists are trained in clinical assessment, manual therapy, exercise prescription, and rehabilitation. They take a broad, function-based approach to back pain management — focusing on restoring what the patient can do and building the capacity to maintain that function independently.
Clinical assessment
Detailed history, movement testing, neurological assessment, and specific orthopaedic tests.
Manual therapy
Joint mobilisation and manipulation, soft tissue work, and neural mobilisation are all within physiotherapy scope of practice.
Exercise prescription
Individually tailored exercise programmes addressing core stability, strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. This is the core of physiotherapy for back pain.
Pain neuroscience education
Explaining pain mechanisms to patients to reduce fear-avoidance and improve outcomes. A core component of modern physiotherapy practice.
Graded activity
Systematic increase in activity and confrontation of feared movements — the evidence-based approach to chronic pain with fear-avoidance.
NHS vs private physiotherapy
NHS physiotherapy is available through GP referral or self-referral (First Contact Practitioner services in many areas). Waiting times vary but can be significant. Private physiotherapy offers faster access and typically more time per appointment. The clinical approach should be broadly similar — the evidence base is the same regardless of the setting.
Download the Physiotherapy for Back Pain Fact SheetPDF — printable summary to share with your GP or practitioner
Find out which treatment is most appropriate for your specific back pain
The myBackPain assessment identifies the most likely cause of your pain — and guides you toward the treatment approaches with the best evidence for your specific presentation.